There are times when a tree has to be removed, perhaps for a new addition to the house, maybe the tree has gotten too large and it poses a danger or maybe the tree died. Removing the tree is a dangerous job and is best left to professionals with all the right tools, know-how and safety equipment. Removing the stump that is left is a new problem again. The team that does stump grinding in Decatur may be the same team that felled the tree; perhaps they are another company all together.
Depending on the size of the tree and the kind of tree, the method of stump removal will be different. Some trees, such as pines have a very big root system but the roots are shallow, other trees, like Oaks have a very deep tap root. To help clear up any misconceptions, perhaps an introduction to the methods available is in order.
The various ways to remove tree stumps:
By hand:
If the tree is small and shallow rooted, then hand digging is acceptable. The tools are basic, nothing more than a shovel, an axe and a root or limb saw will be sufficient. The way to go about it is to dig around until the root system is exposed and then using the axe or saw, cut off the roots and pull them out.
Stump grinder:
A stump grinder can be rented but the operation can be quite dangerous so it is advisable to have stump grinding Decatur area performed by professional tree surgeons. A stump grinder is a machine with a rotating wheel which is full of carbide teeth, these teeth grind the stump down very quickly. Normally the stump is ground to a depth of about 12 inches below the surface. The hole can be filled in with either new soil or the chips left from grinding. Many people put the chips into their compost pile. When the hole is filled, it can be grassed over without any fear of a sucker growing through.
Backhoe:
If land is being cleared, and there are a lot of trees to be removed, pulling them with a mechanical backhoe can be economical. Although using a backhoe for one stump is not economical, if there are a lot to pull and there is a place nearby to either bury the stumps or burn them, it makes economic sense. If the stumps are buried, it is best to do it in a swampy area as they rot down quicker, but remember, no matter where the stumps are buried, they will eventually rot and the land will sink. If the solution is to burn the stumps, check with the authorities and see if this is lawful.